Hotel Chancellor at Orchard

Things are kept simple and uncomplicated at Hotel Chancellor -- from the plain red, white, and brown interiors and random bits of modern decor all over the 10-story property, to the slim features and basic amenities. Still, the place is packed with families, couples, and business travelers who choose to stay here for its good value and location despite reports of slow service -- which might be a deal-breaker for some. During our 2018 visit, most guests spent little time actually lounging around the hotel (even though there are common spaces, like the rooftop pool). However, the constant coming and going throughout the day does make main areas like the lobby constantly busy and crowded.

The hotel is tucked away on a small street along Orchard Road, overlooking a highway. That means that visitors aren't smack in the middle of the bustling shopping district, but are close enough. It's a five-minute walk to the Dhoby Ghaut MRT train station, and the Somerset train station is six minutes away by foot. Also, the two stations are linked to major shopping malls like Plaza Singapura and 313@Somerset (both of which are home to plenty of cafes and restaurants). Other shopping centers, like ION Orchard, are a 20-minute walk away. The CBD is about 20 minutes away by train for business travelers, as are buzzing areas like Chinatown and nightlife hot spot Clarke Quay. It's a 25-minute drive to Changi Airport.

There's nothing fancy about the decor here; like the rest of the property, expect to see lots of reds, browns, and whites coming together to create a no-frills vibe. Rooms are bright, clean, and tidy, though certain parts in some look a tad tired. Views aren't terrific, but sights of the city skyline are slightly better on higher floors. Several room categories are available, including the Premier Room -- the top-tier option that offers extras like bathtubs and vanity kits -- and the Deluxe Triple, which is larger and has bed configurations suitable for families.Standard amenities include water dispensers (hot and cold water available), coffee- and tea-making facilities, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning. For room categories that are accessible, kettles and bottled water are provided in place of water dispensers. The tan-and-white bathrooms are as straightforward as the rooms, and include wall-mounted hairdryers as well as basic toiletries like shampoo, body wash, and toothbrushes.Wi-Fi is fast and unlimited for those staying in the Premier Room, but for other categories, it can cost extra depending on your booking arrangements (the limit can range from per hour to per stay).

The features here are limited, but the most attractive is easily the rooftop pool, which is lined with deck chairs and features a separate kids' section. Unfortunately, the building in front of the hotel obstructs the views from the pool, so there isn't much to see. Still, in steamy Singapore, it's a blessing. The restaurant, Chancellor Bistro, is large and sits on the second floor. Breakfast is served buffet-style, with a spread of local and Asian offerings to choose from, but note that this costs extra. A convenience store is located in the lobby area (not so common in Singapore). There are four meeting rooms equipped with projectors and sound systems for corporate groups of varying sizes, from as little as 16 to as many as 150 people. Unfortunately, most guests here will have to pay for Wi-Fi, which is surprising as most Singapore hotels offer it for free.